Peloton shows platooning in MI; commercial release in 2018

On Friday, Dec. 1, Peloton Technology gave a live demonstration of driver assistive truck platooning on I-96 in the Novi area, west of Lansing, Mich.

The demonstration featured a pair of Peloton-equipped Volvo VNL670 class 8 trucks platooning at approximately 65 feet, and allowed participants to experience how semi-automated and connected vehicle technology, including Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications, assists drivers in a real-world setting.

The demonstration occurred in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan State Police, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Working with the major truck OEM’s, safety suppliers and leading fleets, Peloton has continued to refine its driver-assistive truck platooning system and is on track to deploy it commercially during 2018.

“The demonstration showed key Michigan leaders the safety, efficiency and mobility benefits that this technology provides to fleets and the public,” said Steve Boyd, Peloton cofounder and vice president of external affairs. “We look forward to our ongoing work with the State of Michigan and industry partners across the region as we bring driver-assistive truck platooning into commercial deployment.”

Michigan enacted a law in 2016 to enable testing and commercial deployment of truck platooning. The law requires that platooning system providers submit a general operations plan to MDOT and the Michigan State Police. Peloton’s plan was approved earlier this year.

Eight states have followed suit and confirmed allowance for commercial deployment of driver-assistive truck platooning: Arkansas, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Additional states are considering confirming allowance for driver-assistive truck platooning in 2018.

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